Following a tough 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals, forward Evgeny Grachev was assigned to Hartford.

Grachev showed strong signs of being a top-six forward in the league. However, his skating and timing could use some refining in Hartford.

Here is the release:

RANGERS ASSIGN EVGENY GRACHEV TO HARTFORD22 Active Players Remain With The Club

New York, September 27, 2009 New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has assigned forward Evgeny Grachev to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL). The Rangers now have 22 players remaining in training camp, including two goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards. The Blueshirts next practice is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the MSG Training Center.